They're unlikely authors and they've written a book about an even more unlikely subject- rice cakes.
Janet and Jack Mac Nab have created every conceivable recipe one can come up with for those little crazy, crunchy things.
You name it, you'll find it, Egg Dog Salad, Fig Nut Bars, Rice cake Pizza, and even Blueberry Pie, all in Remarkable Ricecake Recipes.
"People always think we've written a book about rice, but I tell them 'no, I mean rice cakes- you know those little round hard things? " said Janet Mac Nab.
"A puzzled look usually comes over them, and then they ask what can you make from those things?" laughs MacNab.
The MacNab's were forced to be creative when they discovered that all four of their sons were allergic to wheat- so the bread got thrown out the window- and the search for a tasty alternative began with a vengeance.
That search was initiated about 20 years ago.
Janet had found out earlier that she also had an allergy to wheat.
The children would suffer runny noses, coughing spells, and flu like symptoms even though the family lived a generally healthy lifestyle.
"I didn't even use plastic diapers and I made my own baby food," said Janet.
When she quit feeding bread to her boys, the allergic reactions disappeared.
It was a relief to find out what was making them feel ill, but being unable to eat bread left the family with an eating void.
"If you can't eat bread, what can you eat? People always said, 'If you're hungry, grab a sandwich,' right? But back then, there was nothing for an alternative."
She discovered that eating ricecakes wasn't all that bad. MacNab and her husband started experimenting with the food item and her children were exceptionally creative.
Her sons' recipes have been faithfully replicated in the book; Shawn's Rice Lunch, Jack's Fish Fingers, Big Al's Donair, and Jared's Alfalfa Brunch as examples.
"The recipes turn boring rice cakes into tasty meals and snacks", said Mac Nab.
The family even figured out how to use the broken rice cake pieces. She has tried expensive rice cakes, but she thinks the regular Joes are just fine.
"I still like rice cakes. Isn't it crazy? But it's like bread, you know you don't get tired of eating a sandwich."
Their culinary ideas multiplied and soon the MacNabs were typing out the recipes and constantly improving them over the years.
"We really didn't have any idea we would ever make a book," said MacNab.
They managed a cleaning business, so writing was a new challenge. They have made the recipes as simple as possible, she said, and it appears to be successful.
The book was first published in Nova Scotia where 4,000 copies sold. MacNab also appeared on a cooking show series.
The family moved to Abbotsford B.C. in October and now the bright yellow book called Remarkable Ricecake Recipes can be found in local health food stores.

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